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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Repeating carriage clock

Paul Garnier Repeating Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This French brass repeating carriage clock, attributed to Paul Garnier of Paris and dated by the source to the second quarter of the 19th century, is housed in a one-piece case decorated with scrolling foliate engraving and bevelled glass panels. The white enamel dial features Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and open trefoil hands, signed 'PAUL GARNIER HER DU ROI PARIS'. According to the auction catalogue, the twin-train movement strikes and repeats on a bell, employing a jewelled chaff-cutter escapement with a plain three-armed gilt balance. The backplate bears a conforming signature and serial number 2542.

Three-quarter view of the engraved brass repeating carriage clock by Paul Garnier
Three-quarter view of the engraved brass repeating carriage clock by Paul Garnier — Roseberys London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Clock · Repeating carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Paul Garnier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
77
Source-reported date
second quarter 19th century
Country
France
Source-reported serial
2542

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Form and Decorative Construction

The clock is housed in a brass one-piece case decorated with scrolling foliate engraving, fitted with bevelled glass panels and surmounted by a swing handle. A repeat button is located on top, and the reverse is configured with a shuttered rear panel.

The condition report notes minor surface scratching, knocks to edges, and minor tarnishing and scuffs on the interior. Specific reported defects include knocks and minor loss to the lower corner of the reverse door, minor dents to its inner edge, scratching and dirt to the glass, a small piece of green residue on the interior of the left side glass panel, and a minor nibble to the front glass panel left of centre.

Evidence for this section
  • “the one-piece case with scrolling foliate engraved decoration, with swing handle above bevelled glass panels”
  • “with shuttered rear panel”
  • “Knocks and minor loss to lower corner of reverse door and with minor dents to inner edge.”
  • “Small piece of green residue visible to interior of left glass side panel. Minor nibble to left of centre of front glass panel.”

Dial Configuration and Inscriptions

The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and trefoil hands. It bears the dial signature 'PAUL GARNIER HER DU ROI PARIS'.

According to the auctioneer's condition report, the dial appears in good condition with minor wear and very small flecks of dirt, along with very minor rubbing to the numeral 6.

Evidence for this section
  • “the white enamel dial with Roman numerals and outer minute track, with trefoil hands, signed PAUL GARNIER HER DU ROI PARIS”
  • “Dial: Appears to be in good condition with only minor wear and very small flecks of dirt. Very minor rubbing to 6.”

Movement and Striking Mechanism

The movement is reported in the catalogue as a twin-train mechanism with striking and repeating on a bell, equipped with a repeating mechanism and a jewelled chaff-cutter escapement with a plain three-armed gilt balance. The backplate carries a signature conforming to the dial and is numbered 2542.

The backplate shows surface scratching, minor tarnishing, and knocks. The auctioneer notes the movement was ticking when wound and striking at the time of cataloguing, but specifically disclaims any guarantee of working order or timekeeping; no key is present.

Evidence for this section
  • “the twin train movement striking and repeating on a bell, with repeating mechanism and jewelled chaff cutter escapement with plain three-armed gilt balance”
  • “the backplate with conforming signature, numbered 2542”
  • “Currently ticking when wound and striking but Roseberys cannot guarantee the working order or timekeeping. No key present.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 2542 align with known production dates for Paul Garnier carriage clocks bearing the 'HER DU ROI' dial inscription?
  • Can physical examination verify whether the jewelled chaff-cutter escapement and platform are original to the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Garnier Repeating Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignaturePAUL GARNIER HER DU ROI PARIS“signed PAUL GARNIER HER DU ROI PARIS”
Serial Number2542“numbered 2542”
EscapementJewelled chaff cutter escapement“jewelled chaff cutter escapement with plain three-armed gilt balance”
Dimensions15cm high (excluding handle), 18cm high (handle extended), 11.5cm wide, 9.5cm deep“15cm high (excluding handle), 18cm high (handle extended), 11.5cm wide, 9.5cm deep”
ProvenanceProperty of a Private Collector“Provenance: Property of a Private Collector.”

Visible details

  • Engraved foliate motifs cover the base skirt, corner uprights, top moulding, and folding handle.
  • White enamel dial presents black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and open trefoil blued hands.
  • Top and side panels are fitted with thick bevelled glass revealing the movement and repeat button on top.

Research qualifications

  • No winding key is included with the lot.
  • The auctioneer notes minor knocks, dents, a small loss to the rear door corner, and does not guarantee timekeeping or working order.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A French brass repeating carriage clock, by Paul Garnier, Paris, second quarter 19th century, the

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3e82a30d21

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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